August 7, 2007
By Tabisa Mntengwana and George Matlala
PHOTOGRAPHY and poetry form the cornerstone of Women's Month celebrations at Constitution Hill, where 14 local female artists are exhibiting their works and reciting their poetry.
Constitution Hill and Botsotso Publishing have lined up a series of events during the month, including a poetry evening, a walkabout and an exhibition entitled Isis X.
Some 50 photographs and poems taken from the book Isis X make up the exhibition, presented by Botsotso, a group of South African poets, writers and artists that has been around for the past 13 years.
Isis X seeks to evoke the spirit of the mythological Egyptian God-mother, worshipped as the archetypal wife and mother, and to pay tribute to the creativity of her modern, earth bound counterparts. It is on until 31 August at Constitution Hill, in Braamfontein.
Photography
Four female photographers have lent their work to the exhibition - Neo Ntsoma, Suzy Bernstein, Riana Weichers and Anna Varney. Weichers and Varney will also recite their poems, joined by several other poets, including Lisemelo Tlale, Anet Kemp, Baitse Mokiti, Yesha Jenkins, Arja Salafranca, Bongekile Mbanjwa and Elizabeth Trew.
From the Isis X exhibition, by Neo Ntsoma
"The aim of the exhibition is to expose women's talents and also to look at social, political and general issues in the country," said the editor of Isis X and the organiser of the event, Allan Horwitz.
A walkabout is planned for Saturday, 11 August at 11am, when people can interact with the photographers and poets and discuss their works.
Sizoya Sibuye
On Woman's Day, Thursday, 9 August, Sizoya Sibuye (Sisi) will be launched at 10am. Sisi is a gathering of female ex-prisoners from the notorious apartheid prisons – Number Four, Old Fort, Women's Jail - in Braamfontein that are today the site of Constitution Hill. The forum started informally in 2005, with the aim of recognising the role women played in defeating apartheid.
It promotes public awareness of women's experiences of jail during the struggle and provides a space for counselling of other ex-prisoners. It celebrates women's courage, sacrifices and acts of solidarity that led to democracy. According to a press release, launching the forum will give a platform for women and youngsters to listen to the stories the women of Sisi have to share.
Woman's Month activities at Constitution Hill wrap up with an evening of poetry on 24 August at 6pm at the Women's Jail. Features poets include Makhosazana Xaba, Uhuru Mahlodi and Donna Smith. There will also be an open mic session, at which up-and-coming poets and spoken word artists can perform.
For more information on these activities, contact Constitution Hill on 011 381 3100.
Fashion show
On a lighter note, a fashion show featuring the latest summer trends has been planned for the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens.
Models from the M and E Modelling Agency will showcase the latest summer trends from Pick 'n Pay clothing to mark Women's Day on Thursday, 9 August.
According Tony Yoko, the events co-ordinator at the garden, activities on the day will be dedicated to local talent, emphasising women's issues. "Women's Day reminds us of how important is the role of women in society."
A picnic is also on the cards, and parents are urged to bring along their families.
Roodepoort pop star Natasja Lee will belt out a few tunes from her latest album,Kom Dans Met My, as well as her hit Just A Little Love, which has been chosen as a theme song for the Canadian movie, My First wedding.
There are several short walks through the garden, which is set against the backdrop of the Witpoortjie waterfall. It is stocked with 600 naturally occurring plant species and also 220 bird species. There is also a number of reptile and small mammals, including antelope and jackal.
Women's Day is a national public holiday to mark the Women's March - on 9 August 1956 some 20 000 women from all over the country marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against carrying passes. They were led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Sophia Williams and Rahima Moosa.
Today, women occupy prominent positions in parliament, business and society. "We want to show that ordinary women can reach the top," Yoko adds.
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